Love Can’t Wait: Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding Before Potential Changes to LGBTQ+ Rights

Recent political developments have brought uncertainties surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. The Trump administration’s return to the political stage raises concerns about the stability of hard-won rights, including marriage equality. As an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer who has photographed countless LGBTQ+ weddings—and recently eloped myself—I understand how sacred it is to celebrate your love without fear. So, I’m here to say: your love is valid, beautiful, and worth celebrating—no matter the political landscape.

If you’re considering tying the knot, now is a meaningful time. Here’s a guide to help secure your love story’s place in history, whatever changes may come.

1. Why Now? Navigating the Legal Landscape

Marriage equality has remained protected since the 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. But today’s political climate brings fears of a potential rollback. The current legal framework still safeguards same-sex marriages, yet the uncertainty makes this moment crucial for LGBTQ+ couples wanting to formalize their union.

According to Ana Maria Hernandez, a licensed officiant and practicing attorney in Puerto Rico from WonderlandPR.net, “By securing a legal marriage now, couples can protect their rights in case there are any changes in the law. Even if legislative changes occur, existing marriages are likely to be protected under the principle of retroactivity, meaning the law wouldn’t affect marriages that were legally performed.” This insight underscores the importance of acting quickly to secure your rights.

 2. Things to Consider When Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding

Here are some steps you can take to ensure your wedding goes smoothly and your union is legally recognized:

• Get Legally Married Now, Celebrate Later: Concerned about changes? Hold a small, legal ceremony now, then plan a larger celebration when the time feels right. This approach secures your legal rights while keeping options open for a big celebration.

• Secure Your Marriage License Quickly: “Don’t delay applying for your license,” says Hernandez. “Even where marriage equality is protected, backlogs can slow the process. Legalizing your marriage now offers peace of mind.”

• Get Your Legal Documents in Order: Think beyond the marriage certificate. Draft powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and wills. Hernandez advises, “Safeguard your relationship with documents that allow your partner to make crucial decisions. These can still protect you if laws change.”

3. Embracing the Elopement Trend

Many couples now choose intimate elopements over large weddings. If you’re worried about legal shifts, eloping simplifies the process and focuses on what matters most—your union.

Puerto Rico offers stunning landscapes for elopements. Exchange vows under El Yunque’s waterfalls, on secluded beaches, or in the historic streets of Old San Juan. I’ve captured these magical moments, and I’m here to help you plan a beautiful, stress-free elopement.

4. Choose Vendors Who Support You

Select vendors who aren’t just LGBTQ+-friendly but are true allies. Your wedding should be a celebration where you feel safe, seen, and celebrated. As an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer, I create spaces where all couples can express themselves freely.

5. Protecting Your Rights Beyond the Wedding Day

Marriage isn’t just about a beautiful ceremony—it’s about legal protections, too. Once you’re married, make sure to:

•  Update Legal Documents: After your wedding, update your names on all official documents, including your driver’s licenses, passports, and insurance policies. Ana Maria Hernandez also highlights the importance of updating all your legal documents post-wedding: “Many couples overlook updating their wills or beneficiary designations, which can lead to complications down the line, especially if laws change unexpectedly. Ensuring everything is up-to-date protects your partner’s rights.”
• Secure Healthcare Protections: Ensure that your partner is listed as your emergency contact and is recognized in all healthcare documents. This step is crucial for securing hospital visitation rights and decision-making authority.

6. Your Love Is Worth Celebrating—Now More Than Ever

I know that the current political climate can feel unsettling, but love is powerful. It has the strength to break barriers, challenge injustice, and build a future where everyone is free to love who they choose. As a proud LGBTQ+ wedding photographer based in Puerto Rico, I’m here to help you celebrate your love story in a way that feels true to you. Whether you decide to elope or plan a full-scale wedding, know that your love matters and deserves to be honored.

Let’s Document Your Love Story

If you’re ready to take that step and celebrate your love, I would be honored to capture your special day. Whether it’s a quiet elopement or a joyous celebration with friends and family, let’s work together to create memories that will last a lifetime.